Bill Foster Launches Run for U.S. Congress
Successful businessman and accomplished scientist calls for change in Illinois’ 14th District, and America
Geneva (IL) -- Businessman and scientist Bill Foster today launched his candidacy for Illinois' 14th District by filing his papers with the Federal Election Commission and launching a web site, www.Foster08.com.
"I am running for Congress to change the direction of our country and our community. I believe America is a place that can work for everyone, from small business owners, to working families, to our military and our senior citizens," said Foster. "But we need to make serious changes beginning with ending the war in Iraq, and responsibly bringing our troops home. We can't rely on our current leaders to make these changes, we need a new direction and I am confident that I better represent the values of Illinois families in Congress."
Foster spent the last 20 years working at Fermi National Laboratory in Batavia, Illinois, where he worked on some of science's most challenging problems. Prior to that, Foster and his brother started a business from scratch with $500 of their parents' money. That company, Electronic Theatre Controls, now manufactures most of the country's theater lighting equipment, employs over 500 people in the Midwest and has sales over 160 million dollars a year.
"Many of the challenges we face as a district and as a nation are technological, and economic. I think my background as a businessman and a scientist can help change things for the better," Foster said.
If elected, Foster promised to help end America's dependence on foreign oil and put a stop to the out of control spending that has plagued Washington.
"We're bankrupting our country. Every man, woman, and child in the 14th district right now has $29,500 in debt because of the out of control spending that has gone on in Washington," said Foster.
The 14th District is currently represented by former Speaker of the House, Denny Hastert. There has been speculation that Hastert might choose to retire. Foster said, however, that he intends to run no matter who his opponent is.
"I intend to run for this seat, and I intend to win." Foster added. "The Bush Administration and those who advanced their agenda in Congress have taken our country seriously off course. It's time to hold them accountable, so we can start making the tough decisions and choices to turn things around."